The influence of vermicompost on the growth and productivity of cymbidiums

The effects of cattle manure vermicompost on the growth and productivity of cymbidium (Cymbidium sp.) plants were evaluated under shade conditions. Cymbidium was grown in a container medium including 50% pumice, 30% charcoal, 10% vermiculite and 10% peat moss, which was basic plant growth medium substituted with 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% (by volume) vermicompost. The control consisted of container medium alone without vermicompost. Plants were supplied regularly with a complete mineral nutrient solution. The greatest vegetative growth resulted from substitution of container medium with 30% and 40% vermicompost, and the lowest growth was in the potting mixtures containing 0% vermicompost. Most flower buds and inflorescences occurred in the potting mixture containing 30% and 40% vermicompost, and the greatest length of inflorescences was observed in 30% vermicompost. Cymbidium grown in a container medium substituted with 30% and 40% had the most and greatest number of flowers. Some of the cymbidium growth and productivity enhancement, resulting from substitution of container medium with vermicompost, may be explained by nutritional factors; however, other factors, such as plant- growth-regulators and humates, might have also been involved since all plants were supplied regularly with all required nutrients.